Endocrine System Quiz

Endocrine Disorders

• Hormones are substances released from cells, circulating and affecting distant organs
• Key functions of hormones include growth, homeostasis, and reproduction
• The hypothalamus controls the pituitary gland, which in turn regulates other endocrine glands.

Pituitary Gland

• The anterior lobe of the pituitary gland produces:
  • Adreno corticotrophic hormone (ACTH)
  • Melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH)
  • Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
  • Growth hormone (GH)
  • Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
  • Luteinizing hormone (LH)
  • Prolactin
• The posterior lobe produces antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

Hypothalamus and Pituitary Gland Cascade

• The hypothalamus controls the pituitary gland, regulating other endocrine glands
• Endocrine systems function as closed loops
• Negative feedback regulates most endocrine functions
• Other factors like biological clocks (light/dark cycles, menstrual cycles) play a role

Disorders of Pituitary Gland - Hypopituitarism

• Etiology: Congenital, infection, tumor, trauma, irradiation, or idiopathic
• General Manifestations:
  • Impaired child growth (↓ GH)
  • Hypoadrenocorticism (↓ ACTH)
  • Hypothyroidism (↓ TSH)
  • Failure of ovulation/amenorrhea (↓ FSH)
  • Impotence/defective spermatogenesis (↓ LH)
  • Failure of lactation (↓ prolactin)
• Growth Hormone (GH) Functions:
  • Stimulates liver to release polypeptide hormones (IGF-1)
  • Stimulates amino acid uptake and protein synthesis, especially in muscle and bone
  • Stimulates cell growth and breakdown, particularly in muscle and bone

Growth Hormone Deficiency (Dwarfism)

• General Manifestations: Short stature, normal body proportions, and delayed bone age. (Bone age is usually 2+ years behind chronological age)
• Dental Implications: Oral manifestations like abnormal growth of the jaws (microdontia, delayed shedding and eruption of teeth in some cases) can occur before or after odontogenesis (crowding and malocclusion). Risk of plaque accumulation and periodontal issues also may be present.
• Hypopituitary Coma: Triggered by stress, surgery, infection, sedatives and trauma. Managed with hydrocortisone, dextrose, oxygen and hospital admission.

Hyperpituitarism

• Children (before epiphyseal closure): Gigantism. Well-proportioned but very large in size
  • Teeth: Spacing may occur
• Adults (after epiphyseal closure): Acromegaly. Enlarged hands, feet, malar bone, supraorbital ridges, tongue (prognathism). Increased jaw and facial bone growth
  • Teeth: Spacing, food impaction, hypercementosis (increased cementum covering the teeth), tooth fracture or extraction issues.

Thyroid Gland

• Position & Embryology: Two lateral lobes connected by an isthmus, originates from the base of the tongue. Remnants may be found in the base of the tongue.
• Physiological Effect of Thyroid Hormones: (T3 is the active form):
  • Regulates metabolism in all cells
  • Accelerates carbohydrate utilization and lipolysis
  • Increases oxygen consumption and heat production(BMR)
  • Essential for physical and mental development, bone growth, and protein synthesis, cardiovascular health. Affected by adrenaline
• Disorders of Thyroid Gland (Goiter):
  • Non-specific enlargement of the thyroid gland; can be hypothyroid (endemic goiter: stimulated by TSH) or hyperthyroid

Hyperthyroidism (Thyrotoxicosis)

• Etiology: Immunologic, severe emotional trauma or infections
• Types: Grave's disease (diffuse enlargement, exophthalmos) or Nodular goiter (less severe nodular enlargement)
• Diagnosis: Low TSH, increased T3/T4
• Other Diagnostic Methods: Ultrasound, CT, MRI, fine needle biopsy, and autoantibody profile.

Hyperthyroidism (Thyrotoxicosis) General Manifestations and Treatment

• General Manifestations: Warm, moist skin, excessive sweating, increased appetite with weight loss, tremors, exophthalmos, nervousness, anxiety, tachycardia
• Treatment: Beta-blockers to manage cardiac symptoms, anti-thyroid medications or surgery, or radioactive iodine

Thyroid Crisis (Thyroid Storm)

• Definition: Exaggerated manifestation of hyperthyroidism.
• Precipitating Factors: Stress, infection, surgery, pain, trauma
• Clinical Manifestations: Nausea, vomiting, profuse sweating, tremors, tachycardia, fever, hypotension.
• Management: Hydrocortisone, glucose, ice packs, wet packs, fans, and antithyroid drugs or adrenergic blockers.

Hypothyroidism

• Includes: Cretinism (in children) and Myxedema (in adults).
• Cretinism (Children): Growth retardation, mental retardation, delayed tooth eruption, micrognathia, macroglossia, malocclusion, puffy face, short and flat nose
• Myxedema (Adults): Cold intolerance, decreased sweating, hair loss, dry skin, decreased appetite, weight gain, slowed reaction, bradycardia, hoarse voice, poor memory, fatigue.
• Oral Manifestations: Facial edema, macroglossia, compromised periodontal health

Hypothyroidism - Dental Implications

• Myxedema Coma: Precipitated by trauma, surgery, infection or general anesthesia. Manifestations include hypothermia, hypotension, bradycardia, and epileptic seizures.
• Management: Hospitalization, artificial respiration, and high doses of hydrocortisone.

Disclaimer

These notes are for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

Test your knowledge on the functions and conditions related to hormones and the endocrine system. This quiz covers various aspects of hormone production, endocrine disorders, and their physiological impacts. Challenge yourself to understand the complexities of hormonal regulation and related conditions.